Water picks are one of the many devices general dentists recommend using to clean the spaces between teeth. While many people think brushing twice a day automatically equals good oral hygiene, that could not be further than the truth.
Talk to most general dentists, and they will tell you that flossing and brushing are equally important. Brushing gets rid of plaque, food particles and bacteria from teeth surfaces, while flossing does the same for interdental spaces.
Unfortunately, only about half of the people in the U.S. floss regularly, despite the fact the American Dental Association classifies it as an essential part of dental hygiene.
Brushing regularly and not flossing is like painting a piece of wood with a protective varnish on the top, front and back only. Since the sides are not protected, the wood will still be susceptible to rotting. The same holds true for teeth.
As flossing becomes more popular, the number of ways to go about it continues to increase. There are many flossing products available on the market, from floss picks to water flossers. Traditional dental floss is regarded to be the most effective way to clean interdental spaces. However, it is also the most difficult way.
Conventional floss is a thin string that is inserted between teeth and used to clean these areas. It loosens and removes any food particles or plaque stuck in these tight spaces.
People who struggle with traditional floss might prefer using floss picks. These come with handles that make it easier to reach teeth at the back of the mouth. Water picks are also becoming more popular, as they are even easier to use than floss picks.
A water pick is a dental tool that uses pressurized water to clean the spaces between teeth. The device fires off a thin stream of water that goes between teeth and removes plaque and debris. These flossers have been approved by the American Dental Association and have been proven to be useful when it comes to fighting gingivitis and removing plaque.
Water picks have been shown to be up to 51% more effective than traditional floss when it comes to reducing bleeding from the gums. It takes less time to use than conventional floss and promotes healthy teeth and gums.
A water flosser also does a great job of cleaning areas in the back of the mouth that a toothbrush cannot get to.
The effectiveness of water picks becomes obvious when a person uses an orthodontic device or has bridges. Flossing becomes quite tricky when a person has such an appliance in their mouth, as they have to navigate through parts of the device to get to the spaces between their teeth.
A water pick makes things much easier for such people since it remains effective even when an oral appliance is in the way.
Visit our Newport Beach office to learn more about what general dentists think about water picks and other tools that can be used to clean interdental spaces.
Request an appointment here: https://www.petersmrecekdds.com or call Peter T. Smrecek Jr. DDS Inc. at (949) 759-8606 for an appointment in our Newport Beach office.
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